Focus now to win gold in Rio Olympics, says shooter Vijay Kumar

Kolkata: Silver medal winner in shooting in London Olympics, Vijay Kumar on Monday said his main aim is now to win a gold in the Rio Olympics in 2016. Speaking to reporters after being felicitated by the West Bengal government and Calcutta Sports Journalists Club for winning the silver medal in rapid fire pistol event in the London Olympics, Vijay said he was grateful to the Army for providing him all the facilities.

Asked about his failure in the World Cup shooting championship last month in Bangkok, he said he was happy to secure the eighth position in only 10 days of practice. "However, my focus is now to win a medal for our country and further improve my performance in the next Olympics," Vijay said.

His team-mate in London Olympics, Joydeep Karmakar, who missed a medal by a whisker in the 50m rifle prone in London Games, said he found Vijay as one of the most disciplined athletes in the Olympics. "I believe Vijay Kumar has the acumen to win more medals and I will not be surprised if India wins more medals in shooting in the Brazil Olympics," Karmakar said. West Bengal sports minister Madan Mitra congratulated the shooter for his medal winning feat. He presented a cheque of Rs one lakh and a piece of gold to him in acknowledgement.

Vijay's team-mate,Joydeep Karmakar, said he found Vijay as one of the most disciplined athletes.